From Scratch: The Handmade Films of Dylan Friese-Greene

Dylan Friese-Greene is a filmmaker based in London, renowned for his imaginative lo-fi aesthetic, distinctive scrappy formats, and keen editorial sensibility. His moving-image storytelling blends emotional depth with tactile visuals, creating films that merge intimacy and cinematic style.

Friese-Greene explains:

“I’m drawn to that sweet spot between cinematic and homemade. That usually means embracing a few rough-around-the-edges experiments, whether that’s testing out an odd format or reprocessing footage in unconventional ways. It’s a way of keeping the process tangible and personal, like I’ve physically left my fingerprints on it.”

Deeply influenced by London’s vibrant creative scene, Friese-Greene has directed and edited music videos and visual projects for prominent artists, including Jordan Rakei, Lucy Rose, and Kojaque. Through these collaborations, he crafts unique visual worlds that enhance both the sound and the emotional resonance of the music.

In addition to his work in music, Dylan has partnered with other creatives, such as photographer Sián Davey, to produce moving-image installations. Notably, a series of moving portraits titled ‘The Garden’ has been exhibited publicly in the Soho Photography Quarter, further showcasing his versatility and reach as a filmmaker.

Friese-Greene’s latest project, A Frog Sits In Water, is a short experimental film that explores motifs of human complacency in the face of looming disaster. Set against the backdrop of an all-consuming heatwave, the narrative follows a solitary figure who descends into psychosis, mirroring the deterioration, decay, and fragmentation of the world around him.

The project originated as a standalone poem written by Friese-Greene, which he later adapted into a film. The finished piece features contributions from saxophonist Gal Go and the voice of Kojaque. A Frog Sits In Water has already received recognition and has been selected as a feature by Director’s Library.

Discover more about Dylan Friese-Green on his website.

Dylan Friese-Greene, photo by Aubrey Simpson